VINE SHOOT – 6/10
The Blair Athol distillery does not offer a regular core-range official bottling (aside from Diageo’s occasional special releases), yet its reputation among whisky enthusiasts is firmly established. This acclaim owes less to the consistent brilliance of its malts and more to the enduring charm of its historic architecture, which stands as a proud emblem of Scotland’s distilling heritage. Nestled in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, the ivy-clad stone buildings and traditional layout exude an old-world elegance that transports visitors to a different era. If you’ve never made the pilgrimage to Blair Athol, it should be high on your list—a site where whisky, history, and atmosphere converge in memorable fashion.
Today’s release is brought to us by the independent bottler Watt Whisky, and it has undergone a finishing period in a red wine cask, though the precise origin of the wine remains unspecified—an enigmatic touch that adds to the curiosity. Bottled at a robust 56.7%, the whisky impresses from the outset with its poise. Despite the high strength, it displays a notable balance and refinement. In true Blair Athol fashion, the mouthfeel is rich and rounded, showcasing a style that is both generously fruity and textured, yet never cloying or overly oaked. This expression captures the house character well, while adding an unexpected twist.
The red wine cask makes its presence known early in the tasting: lush notes of juicy grape dominate the palate, evoking both the flesh and skin of the fruit, with flashes of darker berries reminiscent of youthful red wines. There’s also an intriguing powdery note—something akin to talcum or scented chalk—that lends a soft, almost tactile quality to the experience. In the finish, a gentle oak presence asserts itself, anchoring the fruitiness with a restrained, elegant structure. The overall profile is straightforward yet pleasant, offering clarity without clutter.
All things considered, the impression left by this dram is a favorable one, though it stops short of being truly remarkable. It’s a whisky of modest ambition—one that fulfills its role competently, without overreaching. For casual sipping or an accessible exploration of Blair Athol’s character through the lens of an independent bottling, it more than suffices. However, for the more demanding connoisseur in search of deeper complexity or bolder innovation, this may not leave a lasting impression. It’s a whisky that satisfies rather than astonishes.
